Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charge

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has entered a not guilty plea to a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The 43-year-old appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via videolink from HMP Liverpool, where he denied the allegations against him. The incident in question is said to have occurred on March 8 at Fairway in Huyton, and the alleged victim, 51-year-old Kevin Lynch, reportedly suffered serious eye injuries. A trial date has been set for September 1, with the case expected to last seven days. Barton's co-defendant, 50-year-old Gary O'Grady, did not enter a plea during the hearing. Barton, a former midfielder for several prominent clubs, currently hosts a podcast discussing various social and political issues.